Hebe odora Nana - Boxwood Hebe

Hebe odora 'Nana' is a variety of shrubby veronica that forms a miniature cushion with a very aesthetic design. Its glossy dark green evergreen foliage is perfectly arranged in neatly aligned ranks on the branches. In spring, small white inflorescences form at their tips. This Veronica thrives in sunlight, in most moist but well-drained soils. Although it is moderately hardy, it copes well with pot cultivation in colder regions.

Formerly classified among the Scrophulariaceae, the Hebe genus is now part of the Plantaginaceae family, the family of Plantain which also includes Russellia with its coral-red flowers and Bacopa, widely used in hanging baskets. Hebes, or shrubby Veronicas, are now separated from the genus Veronica, which is reserved for herbaceous Veronicas. The approximately one hundred species of Hebe recorded are mostly native to New Zealand, with others coming from Tasmania and southern Australia. The first introduction of shrub veronica to Europe dates back to 1775, following an expedition by the famous Captain Cook.
Hebe odora 'Nana' is a compact variety, as indicated by its name, of a relatively hardy New Zealand species, also known as Hebe buxifolia, due to its leaves resembling that of holly. The plant forms, after 5 to 10 years, a compact cushion, approximately 30 cm in height and 50 cm in spread, with a spontaneously very regular spreading dome habit. The fine and erect branches are particularly dense. They are adorned with tiny evergreen leaves, about one centimetre long, with a sharply pointed elliptical shape at the tip, and slightly incurved along the central vein. They are dark green on the upper side, bordered by a fine lighter line that highlights their geometric shape, and their surface is glossy. The uniqueness of this Veronica lies in the arrangement of the leaves which are perfectly aligned in four ranks, each spaced 90° apart. This flawless arrangement gives a very aesthetic architectural appearance to this plant. In May-June, spikes of white flowers bloom at the tips of the branches. Measuring 2 to 3 cm long, they consist of small flowers of pure white, although sometimes tinged with pale lilac, about 1 cm in diameter.

Hebe odora 'Nana' will easily find its place in the garden due to its small dimensions. In cold climates, it can be grown in pots to be wintered in a sheltered location. Its perfectly geometric architecture makes it an excellent choice for contemporary gardens. It will also be well-suited as an edge plant in a border or in a rockery. Plant it alongside other compact plants that will not visually overwhelm it. Pinus strobus 'Mary Butler' is a dwarf Weymouth Pine that forms a ball of 55 cm in diameter, with long, soft needles of a silver-blue green, which will create a very elegant colour combination with your little Hebe. To enrich your scene with brighter colours, opt for Lewisias, whose succulent leaves form very sculptural rosettes, especially laden with flowers in spring. The colour palette is very wide in the range, and their dimensions (approximately 3 cm in diameter) will harmoniously match the miniature foliage of the Hebe.